Pages

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

The Big News: "What We're For"

My big news is that Jeremy Myers and I are putting together a book entitled What We're For.

The book idea was originally Jeremy's and is based on a blog post I wrote a while back. Our purpose is to compose a decidedly positive book about simple church life. We hope What We're For generates discussion and understanding among the broader body of Christ. I will serve as the editor while Jeremy is the publisher.

We're using the structure of the original blog post as a basis for the table of contents (the book will have 25-30 chapters). Jeremy and I are excited about the list of contributors. Most contributors will be writing one chapter each; a few will write two. This is our list so far (in alphabetical order by last name):

I would be happy to contribute. Since writing -Was Church God's Idea?- I have continued to explore the boundaries of all thing "Christian". My conclusions about the bible, the foundational organization of the "church" and much more, may be of interest to others.Marc Winter

Jeremy Myers and I each came up with about one-half of the names. I'm guessing that his suggestions are most of those you haven't heard of. Anyway, I've been impressed with everyone so far in the email contacts I've made. I'm truly looking forward to this entire venture.

Very much looking forward to this new book and reading the various authors chapters. Such a good idea of writing about positive things of the Church, the people, rather than the church, the institution.

The example of Christ’s emptying Himself as an example for believers to set aside their perceived rights and regard others as more important than themselves. The outcome of which Paul alludes to as “being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.”

It’s really a very simple model of how Christians should live as the “church.”

My article “The Apostle Paul on Personal Rights and the Gospel” deals specifically with this issue as it pertains to the corporate church. http://honorgodsword.com/

I would like very much to be considered to write a chapter based on “emptying ourselves.”

Your chapter idea certainly has merit. I love the Philippians 2 passage. Paul wants the church to find unity through humility. He tells them how to achieve this and then provides them with the ultimate example of humility - Jesus Christ.

We already have our chapter ideas and contributors set. But thanks for offering!

I apologize for not being more specific about why I came to the conclusion I did about the similarities I see with some current and former pastors and their exclusive fraternity. I want to clarify my reasoning to help you understand where I’m coming from. I contacted several former pastors a while back who blog on the simple church issue about writing a book together. I sent them my credentials and links to some of my writings. Without exception, all were too busy and/or had no interest. Some are on your list. So when I read your post about writing a book with multiple authors and topics I was very excited. Especially when you said the list was of the writers you have “so far.” And concluded by saying that the book was in its “early stages.” You can see how I assumed you may be open to writers and topics at this early stage. But when you posted your response to my offer and suggestion saying, “We already have our chapter ideas and contributors set. But thanks for offering!” it seemed just a little odd and suspect that you had somehow decided on a complete list of topics and writers in a matter of hours since you posted your piece. It kind of felt like a brush-off. As I stated in my previous comment, it also had the same ring and tone I have received from several pastors when I offered similar services to their church ministries. Again, I pray blessings on your endeavor and hope you take this feedback in the love that it is given.

Thanks for being a part of it. I'm looking forward to it as well. In some ways I'm spoiled because I get to read the compilation of chapters before anyone else does. So far, so good. My hope is that this book will bring about healthy discussion within the body of Christ as a whole.